Saturday, April 9, 2011
Lady Broncos Gear Up for WAC Golf Championship
The Boise State women's golf team has been improving recently, and they'll need to be at their best next weekend as another championship in the Western Athletic Conference is decided. The Championship will be in Mesa, Arizona Friday through Sunday.
Devon Bridges Becomes 3rd Player in NCAA History With 3 Slams in a Season
Prior to this season, only two collegiate softball players had ever hit three grand slams in a season.
Better make it three. Boise State freshman phenom Devon Bridges hit another salami yesterday to key a seven-run inning and complete a Bronco sweep of Louisiana Tech. It was Bridges' third of the season and she still has plenty of games to go. She homered with the bases full in the 17th game of the season against Seattle, did it again on May 26 in a victory over Nevada and cleared the bases again this afternoon.
Bridges has now reached base safely in 28 games in a row. The Broncos head out on the road for an eight-game trip beginning with three against Utah State.
#57 Boise State Wins Again
The Boise State women's tennis team is building momentum for the upcoming Western Athletic Conference Tournament.
The Broncos downed New Mexico State 5-2 this afternoon for their fourth WAC win against no defeats. Boise State won the doubles points, then spread out for four singles wins against the Aggies.
Megale keys wins at #1 singles and doubles
Lauren Megale and Marlena Pietzuch are playing well right now, getting an 8-5 win over Isabela Kulaif and Annemieke Witte at No. 1 doubles. Elyse Edwards and Sonia Klamczynska clinched the point with an 8-6 victory over Manon Sylvain and Jodie Williams. Megale made it 2-0 after Kulaif withdrew from their match at No. 1 singles; at the time Megale was leading 6-3, 2-1. Edwards won her match 6-2, 6-3. Pietzuch clinched the match with a 6-0, 6-3 disposal of Williams. Morgan Basil added a win at No. 6 singles for the final Bronco win.
Boise State moves its season record to 14-6 and will take on Nevada in Reno Sunday at noon Mountain Time.
#57 Boise State 5, New Mexico State 2
DOUBLES
1. Lauren Megale/Marlena Pietzuch (Boise State) def. Isabela Kulaif/Annemieke Witte (NMSU) 8-5
2. Elyse Edwards/Sonia Klamczynska (Boise State) def. Manon Sylvain/Jodie Williams (NMSU) 8-6
3. Stephanie Jasper/Sandy Vo (Boise State) def. Ginet Pinero/Ros-Polly Nguyen (NMSU) 8-6
SINGLES
1. Megale (Boise State) def. Kulaif (NMSU) 6-3, 2-1 (retire)
2. Sylvain (NMSU) def. Klamczynska (Boise State) 6-4, 6-3
3. Pinero (NMSU) def. Jasper (Boise State) 6-2, 3-6, 10-8
4. Edwards (Boise State) def. Witte (NMSU) 6-2, 6-3
5. Pietzuch (Boise State) def. Williams (NMSU) 6-0, 6-3
6. Morgan basil (Boise State) def. Nguyen (NMSU) 6-1, 6-4
The Broncos downed New Mexico State 5-2 this afternoon for their fourth WAC win against no defeats. Boise State won the doubles points, then spread out for four singles wins against the Aggies.
Lauren Megale and Marlena Pietzuch are playing well right now, getting an 8-5 win over Isabela Kulaif and Annemieke Witte at No. 1 doubles. Elyse Edwards and Sonia Klamczynska clinched the point with an 8-6 victory over Manon Sylvain and Jodie Williams. Megale made it 2-0 after Kulaif withdrew from their match at No. 1 singles; at the time Megale was leading 6-3, 2-1. Edwards won her match 6-2, 6-3. Pietzuch clinched the match with a 6-0, 6-3 disposal of Williams. Morgan Basil added a win at No. 6 singles for the final Bronco win.
Boise State moves its season record to 14-6 and will take on Nevada in Reno Sunday at noon Mountain Time.
#57 Boise State 5, New Mexico State 2
DOUBLES
1. Lauren Megale/Marlena Pietzuch (Boise State) def. Isabela Kulaif/Annemieke Witte (NMSU) 8-5
2. Elyse Edwards/Sonia Klamczynska (Boise State) def. Manon Sylvain/Jodie Williams (NMSU) 8-6
3. Stephanie Jasper/Sandy Vo (Boise State) def. Ginet Pinero/Ros-Polly Nguyen (NMSU) 8-6
SINGLES
1. Megale (Boise State) def. Kulaif (NMSU) 6-3, 2-1 (retire)
2. Sylvain (NMSU) def. Klamczynska (Boise State) 6-4, 6-3
3. Pinero (NMSU) def. Jasper (Boise State) 6-2, 3-6, 10-8
4. Edwards (Boise State) def. Witte (NMSU) 6-2, 6-3
5. Pietzuch (Boise State) def. Williams (NMSU) 6-0, 6-3
6. Morgan basil (Boise State) def. Nguyen (NMSU) 6-1, 6-4
Boise State Softball Team Moves Into Tie for First Place
You heard it on this blog first. With #23 Fresno State's 9-1 softball win over New Mexico State last night and New Mexico State's 10-2 and 9-1 wins over Fresno this afternoon, the WAC race is up for grabs. Boise State and New Mexico State are now tied for #1 in the conference with 8-1 records with Fresno State a game back at 7-2. The Broncos swept a doubleheader from Louisiana Tech and are now 8-1. Fresno State is 8-0 pending the second game of a doubleheader.
Boise State Blanks Louisiana Tech 8-0
Freshman sensation Devon Bridges hit another grand slam to key a seven-run Boise State fifth and Allie Crump had a homer as well. Aubray Zell moved to 9-1 on the season as she struck out four and didn't walk a batter.
The Lady Broncos are on fire. With the win, the Broncos are now tied for first with New Mexico State.
The Lady Broncos are on fire. With the win, the Broncos are now tied for first with New Mexico State.
Boise State Rocks Louisiana Tech 11-3 in First Game
Boise State has defeated Louisiana Tech 11-3 in the first of a scheduled twin bill at Mountain Cove Field in Boise.
Mackenzie Whyte's solo homer in the first helped the Bronco cause right off the get-go. In the second, Tazz Weatherly's grounder scored Devon Bridges who had singled to lead off the inning. Kellie Caplan came up and singled to drive in Kelly Sweeney and then stole a base, putting her in position to score on a single by Holly Burke that Weatherly also scored on.
The Lady Broncos have blown it open in the third with a two-run homer by Christina Capobianco and a solo shot by Sweeney to make it 8-2. Boise State added a run on Vanessa Alvarez's double down the left field line that scored Allie Crump in the fourth and two runners scored on an error following Caplan's sacrifice in the fifth. Caplan finished the game a perfect 3-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
Crump allowed just three hits to pick up the victory for Boise State. The two teams will play a second game shortly.
Mackenzie Whyte's solo homer in the first helped the Bronco cause right off the get-go. In the second, Tazz Weatherly's grounder scored Devon Bridges who had singled to lead off the inning. Kellie Caplan came up and singled to drive in Kelly Sweeney and then stole a base, putting her in position to score on a single by Holly Burke that Weatherly also scored on.
The Lady Broncos have blown it open in the third with a two-run homer by Christina Capobianco and a solo shot by Sweeney to make it 8-2. Boise State added a run on Vanessa Alvarez's double down the left field line that scored Allie Crump in the fourth and two runners scored on an error following Caplan's sacrifice in the fifth. Caplan finished the game a perfect 3-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
Crump allowed just three hits to pick up the victory for Boise State. The two teams will play a second game shortly.
Boise State Professor Jorcyk Receives Grant to Research Breast Cancer
Boise State associate professor Cheryl Jorcyk has secured a $600,000 grant from the Komen for the Cure Foundation to research breast cancer.
Jorcyk has studied Oncostatin M, a protein that is produced by breast cancer and immune cells that plays a role in inflammation. With the grant, she will be able to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of an existing antibody against the metastasis of cancer from breast to bone. Jorcyk believes that the spread of cancer is connected to OSM and that the antibody could block the binding mechanism of OSM.
“It’s extremely exciting to be entrusted with such important resources and the responsibility to produce results,” Jorcyk said. “It is every investigator’s hope that the return on investment will be significant, and this project has the potential to deliver.”
The Komen Foundation hopes that Jorcyk's work will lead to a new treatment product that will better address the complexity of breast cancer. If Jorcyk is successful, she will be a major contributor to combating the disease.
“Dr. Jorcyk exemplifies the spirit of Boise State’s research mission, to surpass expectations and define powerful new possibilities,” said Director of Technology Transfer Mary Givens. “The knowledge generated by her research has great promise to impact health and society across the world.”
Jorcyk has studied Oncostatin M, a protein that is produced by breast cancer and immune cells that plays a role in inflammation. With the grant, she will be able to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of an existing antibody against the metastasis of cancer from breast to bone. Jorcyk believes that the spread of cancer is connected to OSM and that the antibody could block the binding mechanism of OSM.
“It’s extremely exciting to be entrusted with such important resources and the responsibility to produce results,” Jorcyk said. “It is every investigator’s hope that the return on investment will be significant, and this project has the potential to deliver.”
The Komen Foundation hopes that Jorcyk's work will lead to a new treatment product that will better address the complexity of breast cancer. If Jorcyk is successful, she will be a major contributor to combating the disease.
“Dr. Jorcyk exemplifies the spirit of Boise State’s research mission, to surpass expectations and define powerful new possibilities,” said Director of Technology Transfer Mary Givens. “The knowledge generated by her research has great promise to impact health and society across the world.”
Boise State Receives Grant to Research Biological Hazards
The money keeps coming in for Boise State. The Univeristy recently received a grant from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in conjunction with the National Science Foundation to research chemical and biological hazards.
Inanc Senocak and Jodi Mead of Boise State will be conducting the research that will reconstruct and simulate hazards once they have been detected in the atmosphere. The pair will study how to reduce and control the threat of contamination that could occur to civilians as well as troops in the battlefield.
Senocak has already secured millions in grants for his work in other areas--he is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. While working on a postdoctoral fellowship, Senocak used statistical algorithms and models of air pollution to reconstruct how contaminants would disperse in the atmosphere. Mead, a professor of mathematics at Boise State, assisted Senocak with her expertise in numerical analysis.
Inanc Senocak and Jodi Mead of Boise State will be conducting the research that will reconstruct and simulate hazards once they have been detected in the atmosphere. The pair will study how to reduce and control the threat of contamination that could occur to civilians as well as troops in the battlefield.
Senocak has already secured millions in grants for his work in other areas--he is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. While working on a postdoctoral fellowship, Senocak used statistical algorithms and models of air pollution to reconstruct how contaminants would disperse in the atmosphere. Mead, a professor of mathematics at Boise State, assisted Senocak with her expertise in numerical analysis.
Boise State's Nelson Wins Collegiate Hammer Throw at Sun Angel Track Classic
Boise State's Alex Nelson won the hammer throw in the Collegiate Division at the Sun Angel Track Classic in Tempe, Arizona yesterday. Nelson uncorked a throw of 208-feet, 8-inches on his fourth of six throws at the competition. Nelson's throw would have finished second and been within a foot of Minnesota's Micah Hegerle, who won the so-called "Premiere Division".
Unfortunately, Nelson's effort represented the only Boise State finish in the top five yesterday. Action resumes this afternoon in Tempe.
Unfortunately, Nelson's effort represented the only Boise State finish in the top five yesterday. Action resumes this afternoon in Tempe.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Lady Broncos Down Louisiana Tech 6-2
Chalk up yet another win for the Boise State softball team. Aubray Zell's complete game paced the Broncos to a 6-2 victory this afternoon over Louisiana Tech at Mountain Cove Field. Freshman phenom Devon Bridges once again powered the offense with a three-run blast in the fifth inning. The amazing Broncos are 6-1 in conference play and 23-13 overall.
Zell had a shutout going through five and two-thirds before Tech was able to get two unearned runs in the sixth. Zell put out that fire and was there at the finish to accept congratulations from her teammates as Aubray is now 8-1 this season. Zell has turned into one of Boise State's best pitchers with a 1.75 ERA.
Kellie Caplan got things going in the first with an infield hit and her 10th stolen base of the season, then advanced to third on a passed ball. Allie Crump lofted a two-out single behind second base and the Broncos were on the board. The score stood at 1-0 until the Broncos' fifth, when Tazz Weatherly walked and stole second and dependable Holly Bourke sent an RBI double into the gap in left center. Crump came through again with a two-out hit that found a hole between the pitcher and second base. Bridges came up and belted the next pitch over the left-field fence and Boise State took a 4-0 lead.
Like all good teams do, Boise State added an insurance run in the sixth as Bourke drove in Weatherly. Bourke now has eight hits in the last nine games and 48 on the season.
Coach Erin Thorpe's team has to feel pretty good about its run production against All-WAC pitcher Meghan Krieg. Krieg went the distance to pick up the loss but made the Broncos earn every hit and every run.
Fresno State and New Mexico State are undefeated in the WAC, meaning that Boise State must continue to win and knock off those two in head-to-head action. The Broncos face Louisiana Tech in a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Mountain Cove. All participants in the Beat Coach Pete Scholarship Run/Walk will be admitted to both games free--just show your race t-shirt a the gate!
Zell had a shutout going through five and two-thirds before Tech was able to get two unearned runs in the sixth. Zell put out that fire and was there at the finish to accept congratulations from her teammates as Aubray is now 8-1 this season. Zell has turned into one of Boise State's best pitchers with a 1.75 ERA.
Kellie Caplan got things going in the first with an infield hit and her 10th stolen base of the season, then advanced to third on a passed ball. Allie Crump lofted a two-out single behind second base and the Broncos were on the board. The score stood at 1-0 until the Broncos' fifth, when Tazz Weatherly walked and stole second and dependable Holly Bourke sent an RBI double into the gap in left center. Crump came through again with a two-out hit that found a hole between the pitcher and second base. Bridges came up and belted the next pitch over the left-field fence and Boise State took a 4-0 lead.
Like all good teams do, Boise State added an insurance run in the sixth as Bourke drove in Weatherly. Bourke now has eight hits in the last nine games and 48 on the season.
Coach Erin Thorpe's team has to feel pretty good about its run production against All-WAC pitcher Meghan Krieg. Krieg went the distance to pick up the loss but made the Broncos earn every hit and every run.
Fresno State and New Mexico State are undefeated in the WAC, meaning that Boise State must continue to win and knock off those two in head-to-head action. The Broncos face Louisiana Tech in a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Mountain Cove. All participants in the Beat Coach Pete Scholarship Run/Walk will be admitted to both games free--just show your race t-shirt a the gate!
Bronco Track Team at Sun Angel Classic
Action is underway in the prestigious Sun Angel Classin in Tempe, Arizona.
Boise State is sending part of its squad there this weekend. Broncos who will compete at the Sun Angel are Anthony Belcher, Yvonne Bennett, Karrie Butler, Taryn Campos Eric Capelle, Alex Cartwright, Jeff Daw, Austin Edwards, Emily Field, Mackenzie Flannigan, Emily Funkhouser, Destiny Gammage, Quinten Hennekam, Shannon Jacobs, Racquel Jones, Steffanie Jordan, Sasa Kampic, Dustin Klein, Jamie Knapp, Trevor Kraychir, Will Lohman, Justin Malnes, Rici Morill, Alexi Morton, Mathew Moyer, Alex Nelson, Alyssa Osai, Cyntrail Pierce, Paul Robertson, Nadine Russell, Chase Sexton, Tajanee Simmos, Pontus Thomee, Dan Thompson, Rolando Trammel and Manoah Wesson.
Other teams facing Boise State are Adams State, Air Force, Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Central Arizona, Colorado State, DePaul, Eastern New Mexico, Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rutgers, San Diego State, Syracuse, UC Riverside, UC San Diego and Virginia Tech
Obviously the Classic will give the Broncos a good idea where they stand not only in the Western Athletic Conference and not only in their future Mountain West Conference but nationally as well.
Boise State is sending part of its squad there this weekend. Broncos who will compete at the Sun Angel are Anthony Belcher, Yvonne Bennett, Karrie Butler, Taryn Campos Eric Capelle, Alex Cartwright, Jeff Daw, Austin Edwards, Emily Field, Mackenzie Flannigan, Emily Funkhouser, Destiny Gammage, Quinten Hennekam, Shannon Jacobs, Racquel Jones, Steffanie Jordan, Sasa Kampic, Dustin Klein, Jamie Knapp, Trevor Kraychir, Will Lohman, Justin Malnes, Rici Morill, Alexi Morton, Mathew Moyer, Alex Nelson, Alyssa Osai, Cyntrail Pierce, Paul Robertson, Nadine Russell, Chase Sexton, Tajanee Simmos, Pontus Thomee, Dan Thompson, Rolando Trammel and Manoah Wesson.
Other teams facing Boise State are Adams State, Air Force, Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Central Arizona, Colorado State, DePaul, Eastern New Mexico, Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rutgers, San Diego State, Syracuse, UC Riverside, UC San Diego and Virginia Tech
Obviously the Classic will give the Broncos a good idea where they stand not only in the Western Athletic Conference and not only in their future Mountain West Conference but nationally as well.
Lady Broncos Host Louisiana Tech This Weekend
Boise State's softball team must keep winning in its quest for the Western Athletic Conference title. The Broncos host Louisiana Tech this weekend for a three-game set.
Returning All-WAC pitcher Meghan Krieg will be stingy so Boise State will have to make the most of its opportunites. Krieg leads the conference with 8.77 strikeouts per seven innings pitched and ranks 16th in the nation with 175 K's.
First pitch is set for 3 p.m. this afternoon at Mountain Cove Field in Boise. The two teams will square off in a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1 p.m.
Returning All-WAC pitcher Meghan Krieg will be stingy so Boise State will have to make the most of its opportunites. Krieg leads the conference with 8.77 strikeouts per seven innings pitched and ranks 16th in the nation with 175 K's.
First pitch is set for 3 p.m. this afternoon at Mountain Cove Field in Boise. The two teams will square off in a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1 p.m.
The "Near-Finalized" Boise State Football Schedule for 2011
2011 Boise State University Football Schedule
(Tentative - as of April 7, 2011)
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME TV
Sept. 3 (Sat.) vs. Georgia Atlanta, GA 8:00 p.m. (ET) ESPN
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (Georgia Dome)
Sept. 10 (Sat.) Open
Sept. 17 (Sat.) at Toledo Toledo, OH TBA TBA
Sept. 24 (Sat.) Tulsa Boise, ID 6:00 p.m. (MT) CBS SN
Oct. 1 (Sat.) Nevada Boise, ID TBA VERSUS
Oct. 7 (Fri.) at Fresno State Fresno, CA 6:00 p.m. (PT) ESPN
Oct. 15 (Sat.) * at Colorado State Fort Collins, CO 4:00 p.m. (MT) The Mtn.
Oct. 22 (Sat.) * Air Force Boise, ID 1:30 p.m. (MT) VERSUS
Oct. 29 (Sat.) Open
Nov. 5 (Sat.) * at UNLV Las Vegas, NV 7:30 p.m. (PT) CBS SN
Nov. 12 (Sat.) * TCU Boise, ID 1:30 p.m. (MT) VERSUS
Nov. 19 (Sat.) * at San Diego State San Diego, CA 5:00 p.m. (PT) CBS SN
Nov. 26 (Sat.) * Wyoming Boise, ID 12:00 p.m. (MT) The Mtn.
Dec. 3 (Sat.) * New Mexico Boise, ID 4:00 p.m. (MT) The Mtn.
* Mountain West Game Home Games in Bold
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Boise State Wrestlers Dominate Pac-10 Academic Team
As is the case nearly across the entire Boise State athletic department, the Boise State wrestlers proved that they are champions in the classroom as well. Six Broncos from the team that finished #8 in the nation were selected to the Pac-10 Conference 2010-2011 All-Academic Wrestling Team.
Isn't it ironic that academics was the excuse that the conference gave in not inviting Boise State last year, yet it is that same university that dominates the Pac-10 Academic Team with four of the ten selections? We just keep laughing at the poor Pac-10. Their decision is looking more stupid and more transparent by the moment. We know the real reason why they did not invite Boise State--because they did not want to be dominated in the same way their wrestling teams are.
Alan Bartelli, Michael Cuthbertson, Adam Hall and Josh Strait all were chosen to be on the Pac-10 Academic First Team, while Jacob Swartz was a second-team member and Kirk Smith received honorable mention. To be eligible for All-Academic recognition, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be classified as a starter or significant contributor to his team.
Hall, who was named the Pac-10 Wrestling Scholar-Athlete of the Year, led the All-Academic conference team. Hall had a 30-2 overall record, Pac-10 title at 157 pounds and a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Wrestling Tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hall will graduate next month with a 3.50 GPA in Health Science.
Bartelli is a Pre-Dental/Biology major with a 3.37 GPA. He finished third at the Pac-10 Tournament at 125 pounds, had a 20-10 overall mark and qualified for the national tournament.
Cuthbertson carries a 3.52 GPA in General Health Science and started five duals at 165 pounds this year.
Strait is a redshirt sophomore who has a 3.78 GPA in General Health Science. Strait competed in 19 matches at 141 pounds this season.
Swartz, a freshman, is undeclared on his major and earned a 3.34 GPA. He broke into the starting lineup in his first year with a 20-16 record and trip to the NCAA Championship.
Smith is one of the most successful wrestlers in Boise State history but was plagued by nagging injuries this season.
FIRST TEAM
Nick Amuchastegui, STAN Jr. 3.98 Mechanical Engineering
Alan Bartelli, Boise State Sr. 3.37 Pre-Dental/Biology
Michael Cuthbertson, Boise State So. 3.52 General Health Science
Tai Fukumoto, ASU So. 3.92 Philosophy
Adam Hall, Boise State Sr. 3.50 Health Science
Tyler Iwamura, CSUB So. 3.67 Business Accounting
David Morgan, CSUB Sr. 3.32 Business Administration
Elijah Nacita, CSUB Sr. 3.41 Business Administration
Josh Strait, Boise State So. 3.78 General Health Science
Stephen Thalin, CP Sr. 3.32 Civil Engineering
SECOND TEAM
Timmy Boone, STAN So. 3.13 International Studies
Jordan Gray, STAN R-Fr. 3.36 Undecided
Michael Hawkins, ASU So. 3.28 Justice Studies
Mike Kent, STAN So. 3.35 Public Policy
Jake Meredith, ASU Jr. 3.09 BIS
Kyle Meyer, STAN R-Fr. 3.30 Undecided
Dylan Rush, STAN Sr. 3.22 Philosophy
Jacob Swartz, Boise State R-Fr. 3.34 Undeclared Business
Jacob Tanenbaum, CP So. 3.19 Kinesiology
Bryce Whitehead, CSUF R-Fr. 3.19 Mechanical Engineering
HONORABLE MENTION
Joey Granata, So, CSUB
Clayton Schuelke, So, CSUF
Kirk Smith, Boise State Sr.
Isn't it ironic that academics was the excuse that the conference gave in not inviting Boise State last year, yet it is that same university that dominates the Pac-10 Academic Team with four of the ten selections? We just keep laughing at the poor Pac-10. Their decision is looking more stupid and more transparent by the moment. We know the real reason why they did not invite Boise State--because they did not want to be dominated in the same way their wrestling teams are.
Alan Bartelli, Michael Cuthbertson, Adam Hall and Josh Strait all were chosen to be on the Pac-10 Academic First Team, while Jacob Swartz was a second-team member and Kirk Smith received honorable mention. To be eligible for All-Academic recognition, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be classified as a starter or significant contributor to his team.
Hall, who was named the Pac-10 Wrestling Scholar-Athlete of the Year, led the All-Academic conference team. Hall had a 30-2 overall record, Pac-10 title at 157 pounds and a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Wrestling Tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hall will graduate next month with a 3.50 GPA in Health Science.
Bartelli is a Pre-Dental/Biology major with a 3.37 GPA. He finished third at the Pac-10 Tournament at 125 pounds, had a 20-10 overall mark and qualified for the national tournament.
Cuthbertson carries a 3.52 GPA in General Health Science and started five duals at 165 pounds this year.
Strait is a redshirt sophomore who has a 3.78 GPA in General Health Science. Strait competed in 19 matches at 141 pounds this season.
Swartz, a freshman, is undeclared on his major and earned a 3.34 GPA. He broke into the starting lineup in his first year with a 20-16 record and trip to the NCAA Championship.
Smith is one of the most successful wrestlers in Boise State history but was plagued by nagging injuries this season.
FIRST TEAM
Nick Amuchastegui, STAN Jr. 3.98 Mechanical Engineering
Alan Bartelli, Boise State Sr. 3.37 Pre-Dental/Biology
Michael Cuthbertson, Boise State So. 3.52 General Health Science
Tai Fukumoto, ASU So. 3.92 Philosophy
Adam Hall, Boise State Sr. 3.50 Health Science
Tyler Iwamura, CSUB So. 3.67 Business Accounting
David Morgan, CSUB Sr. 3.32 Business Administration
Elijah Nacita, CSUB Sr. 3.41 Business Administration
Josh Strait, Boise State So. 3.78 General Health Science
Stephen Thalin, CP Sr. 3.32 Civil Engineering
SECOND TEAM
Timmy Boone, STAN So. 3.13 International Studies
Jordan Gray, STAN R-Fr. 3.36 Undecided
Michael Hawkins, ASU So. 3.28 Justice Studies
Mike Kent, STAN So. 3.35 Public Policy
Jake Meredith, ASU Jr. 3.09 BIS
Kyle Meyer, STAN R-Fr. 3.30 Undecided
Dylan Rush, STAN Sr. 3.22 Philosophy
Jacob Swartz, Boise State R-Fr. 3.34 Undeclared Business
Jacob Tanenbaum, CP So. 3.19 Kinesiology
Bryce Whitehead, CSUF R-Fr. 3.19 Mechanical Engineering
HONORABLE MENTION
Joey Granata, So, CSUB
Clayton Schuelke, So, CSUF
Kirk Smith, Boise State Sr.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Viitala Honored as WAC Field Athlete of the Week
Boise State's Eetu Viitala was named Western Athletic Conference Field Athlete of the Week, according to the league office.
Viitala, a high-performing junior from Finland, won the long jump at the All-Idaho Cup in Boise with a leap (25-feet) that currently ranks sixth in the nation and leads the WAC by over two feet.
Dennis Richardson of Louisiana Tech captured the WAC Track Athlete of the Week after posting two leading marks over the weekend at the Jim Mize Invitational in Ruston, Louisiana.
Boise State's Rolando Trammel of Boise State was also nominated for the Track Athlete of the Week; Trammel won both hurdle races over the weekend.
Viitala, a high-performing junior from Finland, won the long jump at the All-Idaho Cup in Boise with a leap (25-feet) that currently ranks sixth in the nation and leads the WAC by over two feet.
Dennis Richardson of Louisiana Tech captured the WAC Track Athlete of the Week after posting two leading marks over the weekend at the Jim Mize Invitational in Ruston, Louisiana.
Boise State's Rolando Trammel of Boise State was also nominated for the Track Athlete of the Week; Trammel won both hurdle races over the weekend.
Pogostkin Earns WAC Men's Player of the Week Honor
Boise State sophomore Filipp Pogostkin has received his first career nod as conference Player of the Week, according to the Western Athletic Conference office. Pogostkin won both of his matches at No. 1 singles last weekend and teamed with Andy Bettles to go 2-0 and win their 10th consecutive match.
Pogostkin joins Jeff Mullen and Scott Sears as Broncos to have received the weekly award.
The Broncos fly to California next week to take on #9 Stanford, #44 Fresno State and #56 Hawai'i.
Pogostkin joins Jeff Mullen and Scott Sears as Broncos to have received the weekly award.
The Broncos fly to California next week to take on #9 Stanford, #44 Fresno State and #56 Hawai'i.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Boise State Tops Saint Mary's 5-3
Boise State concluded a successful road trip with a 5-3 win over Saint Mary's 5-3 this afternoon.
The Broncos took a 5-0 lead and held on for the win, giving them four wins in the seven-game road swing. Kellie Caplan, Allie Crumb, Holly Bourke and Devon Bridges lined consecutive singles to score two runs in the first inning. Boise State scored three unearned runs, one in the fourth and two in the sixth. Megan Harvey drove in Kelly Sweeney in the fourth and Sweeney crossed home plate again in the sixth as Caplan drove her in. Tazz Weatherly also received an RBI in the Bronco sixth.
Aubray Zell started and pitched three innings for Coach Erin Thorpe, with the only Gael to reach base doing so on an error. Lela Work relieved Zell and pitched the final four innings to get the victory. Work allowed three runs on six hits and is now 4-5 on the season.
Thorpe's team comes home victorious
Saint Mary's broke through in the sixth with a double and single but Work received help from a pitcher's best friend--the double play. Brittany Sabatini's two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh made it interesting, but Work was able to retire the final two batters as Boise State won for the 22nd time against 13 defeats.
Bridges reached safely for the 25th consecutive game for the Broncos, who will host Louisiana Tech this Friday and Saturday at Mountain Cove Field.
The Broncos took a 5-0 lead and held on for the win, giving them four wins in the seven-game road swing. Kellie Caplan, Allie Crumb, Holly Bourke and Devon Bridges lined consecutive singles to score two runs in the first inning. Boise State scored three unearned runs, one in the fourth and two in the sixth. Megan Harvey drove in Kelly Sweeney in the fourth and Sweeney crossed home plate again in the sixth as Caplan drove her in. Tazz Weatherly also received an RBI in the Bronco sixth.
Aubray Zell started and pitched three innings for Coach Erin Thorpe, with the only Gael to reach base doing so on an error. Lela Work relieved Zell and pitched the final four innings to get the victory. Work allowed three runs on six hits and is now 4-5 on the season.
Thorpe's team comes home victorious
Saint Mary's broke through in the sixth with a double and single but Work received help from a pitcher's best friend--the double play. Brittany Sabatini's two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh made it interesting, but Work was able to retire the final two batters as Boise State won for the 22nd time against 13 defeats.
Bridges reached safely for the 25th consecutive game for the Broncos, who will host Louisiana Tech this Friday and Saturday at Mountain Cove Field.
Definition of Softball and Baseball Abbreviations
I got a note from someone asking to explain the abbreviations that we see in newspapers and online regarding softball (and baseball) statistics. Here are a few of them:
IF: Infield (usually refers to "Name of Player" plays in the infield (1B, 2B, Shortstop or 3B)
OF: Outfield (usually refers to "Name of Player" plays outfield (left field, center field, or right field)
AB: At Bats (An "at bat" is an official plate appearance resulting in either a hit or an out after the ball is put into play. For example, one does not have an official at-bat if a teammate is thrown out on the basepaths before the hitter has a chance to bat. Note: a player who receives a walk or is hit by a pitch does not receive an official at-bat.)
R: Runs, in this case it means runs scored by that player or team.
H: Hits, or the number of times that a player (or team) has successfully put the ball into play and reached safely through no fault of the other team. When an error is made that allows the hitter to reach base, it is not an official at-bat.
E: Error--Statistics are kept on the number of errors that an individual player makes, the number of team errors in an inning, the number of errors in a game, and the number of errors for a season. There are four main ways a fielder can make an error--first, by misplaying a ground ball and letting the ball get past them, second by dropping a fly ball that should be caught, third by fielding the ball but then making an errant throw that either allows the batter to be safe or allows a baserunner an extra base that they shouldn't have had and fourth, by dropping the ball on a throw from another fielder that allows the batter or baserunner to be safe. For there to be an error, it must be on a play that the scorer believes should be made for an out, either by throwing out the batter or by making a play to get a baserunner out. Note: When a catcher allows a pitch to get by them, it is not an error but is ruled a "passed ball".
RBI: Runs batted in--A player is given credit for an RBI when they successfully get a teammate to home plate through no fault of the other team. As is the case above, an error by the other team that results in a run scoring does not count for an RBI by the hitter. An RBI can be credited for a walk or being hit by a pitch if the bases are loaded. In those cases, the runner on third base is forced in by the walk or hit batter and the batter gets an RBI.
BB: This stands for bases on balls or more commonly a walk. It has several uses. An individual hitter can receive a walk (four balls called by the umpire before either three strikes or called or before the ball is put into play). Sometimes you will see this statistic for an entire team, which is the total of all the walks received in a game or in the season. It is also used to reflect pitcher's statistics, i.e. how many walks the pitcher or pitching staff allowed during a game or during the season.
SO: Strikeout. As above, this is used for offensive and pitcher statistics for both individuals and teams. A strikeout occurs when a player gets three strikes called on them. If there are two strikes and the hitter hits a foul ball, in most levels this is not counted against them (some do count this as the final strike.) In most levels of baseball and softball, however, a foul with two strikes simply means the hitter goes back to the plate and continues to bat. Note: If a third strike is called by the umpire but dropped by the catcher, the runner has the opportunity to run to first base. If they beat out the throw, the play is scored a strikeout and a passed ball by the catcher. If the catcher is able to field the ball and throw out the hitter, the play is simply recorded as a strikeout. You will sometimes hear a strikeout referred to as a "K". If a hitter has 3 SO's, it means he or she has struck out three times in that game or the season. Similarly, if a pitcher has 3 SO's, it means the pitcher has struck out three batters in the game.
PO: Putout. This occurs when a batter or base runner is called out by a tag out, a force out or has been caught stealing. An unassisted putout occurs when only one fielder makes the play, for example when a player catches a fly ball or when an infielder or catcher fields the ball and steps on the bag to force an out. If the ball is fielded by a player and thrown to another for a force at that base, the putout is made by the player catching the ball with an assist from the player who threw it.
A: Assist. The assist is given to the player who throws the ball to a teammate who actually makes the out.
LOB: Left on Base. This comes into play only when the third out of the inning is made. At that point, the number of base runners who did not score is added up and that total is the number of runners left on base in each inning. You will often see game totals for left on base, which is merely the total number of runners left on base in the inning. Note: Occasionally, a run will score and then an out is made when the ball is thrown to another base to get that runner out. If the runner crosses home plate before his or her teammate is thrown out, the run counts. This only comes into play on a ball hit safely; it does not come into play if the ball is hit in the air and the runner crosses home plate before the ball is caught.
IF: Infield (usually refers to "Name of Player" plays in the infield (1B, 2B, Shortstop or 3B)
OF: Outfield (usually refers to "Name of Player" plays outfield (left field, center field, or right field)
AB: At Bats (An "at bat" is an official plate appearance resulting in either a hit or an out after the ball is put into play. For example, one does not have an official at-bat if a teammate is thrown out on the basepaths before the hitter has a chance to bat. Note: a player who receives a walk or is hit by a pitch does not receive an official at-bat.)
R: Runs, in this case it means runs scored by that player or team.
H: Hits, or the number of times that a player (or team) has successfully put the ball into play and reached safely through no fault of the other team. When an error is made that allows the hitter to reach base, it is not an official at-bat.
E: Error--Statistics are kept on the number of errors that an individual player makes, the number of team errors in an inning, the number of errors in a game, and the number of errors for a season. There are four main ways a fielder can make an error--first, by misplaying a ground ball and letting the ball get past them, second by dropping a fly ball that should be caught, third by fielding the ball but then making an errant throw that either allows the batter to be safe or allows a baserunner an extra base that they shouldn't have had and fourth, by dropping the ball on a throw from another fielder that allows the batter or baserunner to be safe. For there to be an error, it must be on a play that the scorer believes should be made for an out, either by throwing out the batter or by making a play to get a baserunner out. Note: When a catcher allows a pitch to get by them, it is not an error but is ruled a "passed ball".
RBI: Runs batted in--A player is given credit for an RBI when they successfully get a teammate to home plate through no fault of the other team. As is the case above, an error by the other team that results in a run scoring does not count for an RBI by the hitter. An RBI can be credited for a walk or being hit by a pitch if the bases are loaded. In those cases, the runner on third base is forced in by the walk or hit batter and the batter gets an RBI.
BB: This stands for bases on balls or more commonly a walk. It has several uses. An individual hitter can receive a walk (four balls called by the umpire before either three strikes or called or before the ball is put into play). Sometimes you will see this statistic for an entire team, which is the total of all the walks received in a game or in the season. It is also used to reflect pitcher's statistics, i.e. how many walks the pitcher or pitching staff allowed during a game or during the season.
SO: Strikeout. As above, this is used for offensive and pitcher statistics for both individuals and teams. A strikeout occurs when a player gets three strikes called on them. If there are two strikes and the hitter hits a foul ball, in most levels this is not counted against them (some do count this as the final strike.) In most levels of baseball and softball, however, a foul with two strikes simply means the hitter goes back to the plate and continues to bat. Note: If a third strike is called by the umpire but dropped by the catcher, the runner has the opportunity to run to first base. If they beat out the throw, the play is scored a strikeout and a passed ball by the catcher. If the catcher is able to field the ball and throw out the hitter, the play is simply recorded as a strikeout. You will sometimes hear a strikeout referred to as a "K". If a hitter has 3 SO's, it means he or she has struck out three times in that game or the season. Similarly, if a pitcher has 3 SO's, it means the pitcher has struck out three batters in the game.
PO: Putout. This occurs when a batter or base runner is called out by a tag out, a force out or has been caught stealing. An unassisted putout occurs when only one fielder makes the play, for example when a player catches a fly ball or when an infielder or catcher fields the ball and steps on the bag to force an out. If the ball is fielded by a player and thrown to another for a force at that base, the putout is made by the player catching the ball with an assist from the player who threw it.
A: Assist. The assist is given to the player who throws the ball to a teammate who actually makes the out.
LOB: Left on Base. This comes into play only when the third out of the inning is made. At that point, the number of base runners who did not score is added up and that total is the number of runners left on base in each inning. You will often see game totals for left on base, which is merely the total number of runners left on base in the inning. Note: Occasionally, a run will score and then an out is made when the ball is thrown to another base to get that runner out. If the runner crosses home plate before his or her teammate is thrown out, the run counts. This only comes into play on a ball hit safely; it does not come into play if the ball is hit in the air and the runner crosses home plate before the ball is caught.
Analysis of the WAC Commissioner's Cup Race Heading Into Spring
The last of the winter sports have been decided, leaving only the spring sports in this school year. After the teams in those sports have had a chance to show what they can do, I like projecting the Commissioner's Cup race in the Western Athletic Conference.
The Commissioner's Cup is given annually to the WAC school that has the best overall sports department for that school year. The standings are determined by a point system that gives inverted points to the schools based on their performance in 20 sports that the conference sponsors and how many WAC schools participate in each sport. For example, there are nine teams in football, thus the champion gets nine points, the runner-up eight points, the third-place team gets seven points, etc. If there is a tie, the two tied teams split the points for two positions, i.e. a tie for first would split the points awarded for #1 and #2 (9 + 8 = 17 divided by 2 = 8.5 each).
There are four WAC schools that are able to field men's indoor track, so the winner gets four points, #2 gets 3 points and so on. Some sports, such as gymnastics, have auxiliary members (schools that are not officially in the WAC but participate in the conference in that sport). In those cases, the auxiliary teams do not get points for the Commissioner's Cup but their places count in the point configuration. If there are five schools that compete in a sport and Sacramento State, for example, is third, the league champion still gets five points, second gets four points, and the next WAC school, the fourth-place team, gets two points. Men's and women's tennis, baseball and softball all split awarded points with half going to the regular season and half to the postseason championships.
Currently, Boise State has a slim lead (64.50 to 59.75) over Utah State. New Mexico State is third with 42.25, followed by Fresno State (41.00), Idaho (40.50), Nevada (38.75), Hawai'i (36.75), Louisiana Tech (33.00) and San Jose State (29.50).
In coming up with the projections, I use the best available data in each sport. For softball and baseball, the league standings are used. For golf, I use Golfweek's weekly ratings and for tennis I use College Tennis Online's weekly rankings. As the teams play more, the standings and weekly rankings will be more reliable. For track, I will initially use the WAC Indoor Track Championship data but will switch to projected point totals for the Outdoor Championship based on top times once there is enough data available.
Here are the projections for each sport:
Women's Golf: (April 15-17)
1. San Jose State (7 points)
2. New Mexico State (6)
3. Idaho (5)
4. Nevada (4)
5. Fresno State (3)
6. Boise State (2)
7. Hawai'i (1)
Men's Tennis: (April 27-May 1)
1. Fresno State (7)
2. Boise State (6)
3. Idaho (5)
4. Hawai'i (4)
5. New Mexico State (3)
6. Nevada (2)
7. Utah State (1)
Women's Tennis: (April 27-May 1)
1. Boise State (9 points)
2. Fresno State (8)
3. Nevada (7)
4. Hawai'i (6)
5. Idaho (5)
6. New Mexico State (4)
7. Utah State (3)
8. Louisiana Tech (2)
9. San Jose State (1)
Coach Roghaar has his team playing well
Men's Golf: (May 2-4)
1. New Mexico State (8 points)
2. Idaho (7)
3. Fresno State (6)
4. San Jose State (5)
5. Nevada (4)
6. Louisiana Tech (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Boise State (1)
Coach Kevin Burton's team hopes to improve in time for WAC Championships
Softball: (May 11-14)
1. Fresno State (8 points)
2. New Mexico State (7)
3. Hawai'i (6)
4. Boise State (5)
5. Louisiana Tech (4)
6. San Jose State (3)
7. Nevada (2)
8. Utah State (1)
Men's Track (May 10-13)
1. Utah State (5 points)
2. Fresno State (4)
3. Boise State (3)
4. Louisiana Tech (2)
5. Idaho (1)
Women's Track (May 10-13)
1. Louisiana Tech (8 points)
2. Utah State (7)
3. Nevada (6)
4. New Mexico State (5)
5. Boise State (4)
6. Fresno State (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Idaho (1)
Baseball: (May 25-29)
1. Fresno State (7 points)
2. New Mexico State (6 points)
3. San Jose State (5)
4. Louisiana Tech (4)
5. Hawai'i (3)
6. San Jose State (2)
7. Nevada (1)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis. As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results. As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:
1. Boise State 94.50
Boise State is expected to pick up most of its points in men's and women's tennis and in men's track. The Broncos are projected to score 30 points this spring--they will need to do well to hold off Fresno State. If those teams do not come through, we will have a tight race for the Cup. On the other hand, if the men's and women's golf teams do better than expected, Boise State's chances are dramatically improved.
2. Fresno State 87.00
The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State is expected to score 46 points in the spring alone. Fresno is projected to win men's tennis, softball and baseball and women's tennis and they are also expected to do extremely well in men's track and men's golf. If one or more of those teams do not come through, Fresno could relinquish the challenger's role to New Mexico State. All those teams have to do well and Fresno State has to hope that the key Boise State sports falter for the Bulldogs to take the Cup.
Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State
3. New Mexico State 81.25
The Aggies outdual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 39 points. The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their men's and women's tennis teams and women's track team can finish high while Boise State slips up somewhere.
4. Utah State 76.75
USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf. Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition. Utah State is projected to score just 17 points this spring. They could possibly finish third if everything goes right.
5. Nevada 64.75
Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup. However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely. They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball. The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs. Nevada is projected to score 26 points in the spring.
6. Hawai'i 60.75
Hawai'i is expected to do the best in men's and women's tennis and softball. UH should score in the neighborhood of 24 points this spring. That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.
7. Idaho 59.00
The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years. Idaho will get most of their points in men's and women's golf and men's tennis. Idaho should get about 18.5 points this spring. They will fight for positions 5-8.
8. Louisiana Tech 56.00
Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 23 points this spring. They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.
9. San Jose State 50.50
The Spartans are the favorite in women's golf and they should also do well in baseball. San Jose State is projected to score 21 points this spring.
The Commissioner's Cup is given annually to the WAC school that has the best overall sports department for that school year. The standings are determined by a point system that gives inverted points to the schools based on their performance in 20 sports that the conference sponsors and how many WAC schools participate in each sport. For example, there are nine teams in football, thus the champion gets nine points, the runner-up eight points, the third-place team gets seven points, etc. If there is a tie, the two tied teams split the points for two positions, i.e. a tie for first would split the points awarded for #1 and #2 (9 + 8 = 17 divided by 2 = 8.5 each).
There are four WAC schools that are able to field men's indoor track, so the winner gets four points, #2 gets 3 points and so on. Some sports, such as gymnastics, have auxiliary members (schools that are not officially in the WAC but participate in the conference in that sport). In those cases, the auxiliary teams do not get points for the Commissioner's Cup but their places count in the point configuration. If there are five schools that compete in a sport and Sacramento State, for example, is third, the league champion still gets five points, second gets four points, and the next WAC school, the fourth-place team, gets two points. Men's and women's tennis, baseball and softball all split awarded points with half going to the regular season and half to the postseason championships.
Currently, Boise State has a slim lead (64.50 to 59.75) over Utah State. New Mexico State is third with 42.25, followed by Fresno State (41.00), Idaho (40.50), Nevada (38.75), Hawai'i (36.75), Louisiana Tech (33.00) and San Jose State (29.50).
In coming up with the projections, I use the best available data in each sport. For softball and baseball, the league standings are used. For golf, I use Golfweek's weekly ratings and for tennis I use College Tennis Online's weekly rankings. As the teams play more, the standings and weekly rankings will be more reliable. For track, I will initially use the WAC Indoor Track Championship data but will switch to projected point totals for the Outdoor Championship based on top times once there is enough data available.
Here are the projections for each sport:
Women's Golf: (April 15-17)
1. San Jose State (7 points)
2. New Mexico State (6)
3. Idaho (5)
4. Nevada (4)
5. Fresno State (3)
6. Boise State (2)
7. Hawai'i (1)
Men's Tennis: (April 27-May 1)
1. Fresno State (7)
2. Boise State (6)
3. Idaho (5)
4. Hawai'i (4)
5. New Mexico State (3)
6. Nevada (2)
7. Utah State (1)
Women's Tennis: (April 27-May 1)
1. Boise State (9 points)
2. Fresno State (8)
3. Nevada (7)
4. Hawai'i (6)
5. Idaho (5)
6. New Mexico State (4)
7. Utah State (3)
8. Louisiana Tech (2)
9. San Jose State (1)
Coach Roghaar has his team playing well
Men's Golf: (May 2-4)
1. New Mexico State (8 points)
2. Idaho (7)
3. Fresno State (6)
4. San Jose State (5)
5. Nevada (4)
6. Louisiana Tech (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Boise State (1)
Coach Kevin Burton's team hopes to improve in time for WAC Championships
Softball: (May 11-14)
1. Fresno State (8 points)
2. New Mexico State (7)
3. Hawai'i (6)
4. Boise State (5)
5. Louisiana Tech (4)
6. San Jose State (3)
7. Nevada (2)
8. Utah State (1)
Men's Track (May 10-13)
1. Utah State (5 points)
2. Fresno State (4)
3. Boise State (3)
4. Louisiana Tech (2)
5. Idaho (1)
Women's Track (May 10-13)
1. Louisiana Tech (8 points)
2. Utah State (7)
3. Nevada (6)
4. New Mexico State (5)
5. Boise State (4)
6. Fresno State (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Idaho (1)
Baseball: (May 25-29)
1. Fresno State (7 points)
2. New Mexico State (6 points)
3. San Jose State (5)
4. Louisiana Tech (4)
5. Hawai'i (3)
6. San Jose State (2)
7. Nevada (1)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis. As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results. As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:
1. Boise State 94.50
Boise State is expected to pick up most of its points in men's and women's tennis and in men's track. The Broncos are projected to score 30 points this spring--they will need to do well to hold off Fresno State. If those teams do not come through, we will have a tight race for the Cup. On the other hand, if the men's and women's golf teams do better than expected, Boise State's chances are dramatically improved.
2. Fresno State 87.00
The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State is expected to score 46 points in the spring alone. Fresno is projected to win men's tennis, softball and baseball and women's tennis and they are also expected to do extremely well in men's track and men's golf. If one or more of those teams do not come through, Fresno could relinquish the challenger's role to New Mexico State. All those teams have to do well and Fresno State has to hope that the key Boise State sports falter for the Bulldogs to take the Cup.
Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State
3. New Mexico State 81.25
The Aggies outdual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 39 points. The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their men's and women's tennis teams and women's track team can finish high while Boise State slips up somewhere.
4. Utah State 76.75
USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf. Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition. Utah State is projected to score just 17 points this spring. They could possibly finish third if everything goes right.
5. Nevada 64.75
Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup. However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely. They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball. The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs. Nevada is projected to score 26 points in the spring.
6. Hawai'i 60.75
Hawai'i is expected to do the best in men's and women's tennis and softball. UH should score in the neighborhood of 24 points this spring. That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.
7. Idaho 59.00
The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years. Idaho will get most of their points in men's and women's golf and men's tennis. Idaho should get about 18.5 points this spring. They will fight for positions 5-8.
8. Louisiana Tech 56.00
Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 23 points this spring. They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.
9. San Jose State 50.50
The Spartans are the favorite in women's golf and they should also do well in baseball. San Jose State is projected to score 21 points this spring.
WAC Women's Golf Teams Ranked By Golfweek
#65 San Jose State
#66 New Mexico State
#104 Idaho
#109 Nevada
#124 Fresno State
#149 Boise State
#154 Hawai'i
#66 New Mexico State
#104 Idaho
#109 Nevada
#124 Fresno State
#149 Boise State
#154 Hawai'i
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